Stabilization of alkaline hydrogen peroxide

ABSTRACT

A stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition is disclosed. The composition contains about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; water; and a stabilizer system that contains about 10 ppm to about 1% of a stannate stabilizer; 10 ppm to about 1% of a phosphonic acid chelating agent or a mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and 10 ppm to about 1% of an aromatic chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agents. The composition comprises less than 10 ppm pyrophosphate, preferably no pyrophosphate; and has a pH greater than 7.0, preferably about 8.0 to about 10.5.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/820,981, filed Apr. 8, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,237.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to stabilization of hydrogen peroxide. In particular, this invention relates aqueous alkaline compositions comprising hydrogen peroxide stabilized with a stabilizer system comprising at least one phosphonic acid chelating agent, at least one aromatic chelating agent, and a stannate stabilizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To avoid the disadvantages inherent in the use of hypochlorite solutions in household laundry bleach, disinfectants, hard surface cleansers, and other cleaning compositions, manufacturers of these products have developed alternatives based on acidic aqueous hydrogen peroxide compositions. Hydrogen peroxide is generally acceptable from a toxicological and environmental standpoint because its decomposition products are oxygen and water. In addition, these compositions are also fiber-safe and color-safe.

Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide caused by catalytically active substances, such as metal ions, is extremely difficult to prevent. For products that contain hydrogen peroxide to be effective, a substantial proportion of the hydrogen peroxide must survive between manufacture and use. In addition, decomposition produces oxygen gas, which could overpressure the container and cause it to rupture during storage or shipping. Therefore, these compositions typically contain stabilizers. For example, tin compounds, such as sodium stannate, and phosphorus based chelating agent, have been used as stabilizers for acidic compositions (i.e., those with a pH less than about 5).

Because an alkaline environment is normally required for the cleaning efficacy, the performance of hydrogen peroxide containing cleaning compositions can be improved by formulating alkaline products. However, the commercial use of alkaline formulations has been hindered by the strong tendency of alkaline hydrogen peroxide compositions to decompose during storage. In addition, under typical storage conditions, decomposition may produce hydroxide ions, which increase the pH and, thus, further increase the decomposition rate. With excessive decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide, the composition loses its cleaning ability.

Various stabilizers have been developed to improve the stability of aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide compositions. These are disclosed, for example, in Woerner, U.S. Pat. Pub. 2003/0073150 A1; Steiner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,497; Lanniel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,575; Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,291; and Kowalski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,575. However, these stabilizers are not totally satisfactory. Thus, a need exists for aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide compositions with increased stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition. The composition comprises:

-   -   a) about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt % of hydrogen peroxide;     -   b) water; and     -   c) a stabilizer system comprising:         -   i) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of a stannate             stabilizer;         -   ii) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of a phosphonic             acid chelating agent or a mixture of phosphonic acid             chelating agents; and         -   iii) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of an aromatic             chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agents;             wherein;     -   the composition comprises less than 1 ppm f pyrophosphate; and     -   the composition has a pH greater than 7.0.

In one embodiment, the composition comprise about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of hydrogen peroxide, about 40 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or agents, and abut 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of the aromatic chelating agent or agents. Aqueous hydrogen peroxide compositions that comprise the three component stabilizer system, and less than 1 ppm pyrophosphates, are storage stable at a pH greater than 7, and particularly at a pH of about 9.0 to about 9.5 or above, even in the presence metal ions, such as Fe(II).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms phosphonic acid chelating agent, aromatic chelating agent, stannate stabilizer, surfactant, thickening agent, pyrophosphate, aqueous base, and similar terms also include mixtures of such materials. Unless otherwise specified, all percentages are percentages by weight, all parts by million (ppm) are parts per million by weight, and all temperatures are in degrees Centigrade (Celsius).

The invention is a stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition. It comprises hydrogen peroxide, water, and a stabilizer system made up of three components: a phosphonic acid chelating agent, a stannate stabilizer, and an aromatic chelating compound. Mixtures of each of these components may be used instead of a single component. If the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition is to be used as a cleaning composition, other ingredients that are conventional components of cleaning compositions, such as surfactants, are present.

The stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition comprises at least one phosphonic acid chelating agent. Phosphonic acid chelating agents include, for example, compounds of the general structure N(CR¹R²PO₃H₂)₃, in which R¹ and R² are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group of one to four carbon atoms, such as amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid) (ATMP) (DEQUEST® 2000, Solutia, St. Louis, Mo., USA), in which R¹ and R² are each hydrogen; diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPA) (DEQUEST® 2066); hexamethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (DEQUEST® 2054); bis hexamethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid (DEQUEST® 2090); and compounds of the general structure C(R³)(PO₃H₂)₂OH, in which R³ is hydrogen or an alkyl group of one to four carbon atoms, such as 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) (DEQUEST® 2010) (C(CH₃)(PO₃H₂)₂OH). Preferred phosphorus-based chelating agents include 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), and diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid).

The stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition comprises a stannate stabilizer. The stannate stabilizer may be formed in situ from hydrolysis of a tin compound, such as tin sulfate, sodium stannate (Na₂SnO₃.3(H₂O)), tin dichloride, or tin tetrachloride. Although the stannate stabilizer is believed to be colloidal stannic oxide, it is typically referred to as colloidal sodium stannate.

The stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition comprises at least one aromatic chelating compound. While not being bound by any theory of explanation, it is believed that this compound functions as a radical scavenger.

The aromatic structure includes carbocyclic aromatic rings, such as the benzene or naphthalene ring, as well as heteroaromatic rings such as pyridine and quinoline. The stabilizer should also contain chelating groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, phosphonate, or sulfonate.

The aromatic chelating compound may be, for example, salicylic acid; a substituted salicylic acid, such as 3-methylsalicylic acid, 4-methyl salicylic acid, 5-methyl salicylic acid, 6-methyl salicylic acid, 3,5-dimethyl salicylic acid, 3-ethyl salicylic acid, 3-iso-propyl salicylic acid, 3-methoxy salicylic acid, 4-methoxy salicylic acid, 5-methyoxy salicylic acid, 6-methoxy salicylic acid, 4-ethoxy salicylic acid, 5-ethyoxy salicylic acid, 2-chloro salicylic acid, 3-chloro salicylic acid, 4-chloro salicylic acid, 5-choloro salicylic acid, 3,5-dichloro salicylic acid, 4-fluoro salicylic acid, 5-fluoro salicylic acid, 6-fluoro salicylic acid; or a mixture thereof. The aromatic chelating compound may be, for example, 8-hydroxy-quinoline; a substituted 8-hydroxy-quinoline, such as, 5-methyl-8-hydroxy-quinoline, 5-methoxy-8-hydroxy-quinoline, 5-chloro-8-hydroxy-quinoline, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxy-quinoline, 8-hydroxy-quinoline-5-sulfonic acid, or a mixture thereof. The aromatic chelating compound may be, for example, a pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, such as picolinic acid (2-pyridinecarboxylic aid); dipicolinic acid (2,6-pyridinedicarbxylic acid); 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid; a substituted 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, such as 3-methyl-6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 3-methoxy-6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 3-chloro-6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 3,5-dichloro-6-hydroxy-picolinic acid; or a mixture thereof. Preferred aromatic chelating compounds include, salicylic acid, 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, and 8-hydroxy-quinoline.

The stabilizer system comprises about 10 ppm to about 1 wt %, preferably about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm (0.25 wt %), more preferably about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm (0.1 wt %), even more preferably about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, of the stannate stabilizer. The stabilizer system comprises about 10 ppm to about 1 wt %, preferably about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm (0.25 wt %), more preferably about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm (0.1 wt %), even more preferably about 40 ppm to about 500 ppm, of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or, if more than one phosphonic acid chelating agent is used, of the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents. The stabilizer system comprises about 10 ppm to about 1 wt %, preferably about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm (0.25 wt %), more preferably about 20 ppm about to 1000 ppm (0.1 wt %) of the aromatic chelating agent or, if more than one chelating agent is used, of the mixture of chelating agents. In one embodiment, the stabilized system comprises about 30 ppm to about 300 ppm, typically 60 ppm to 20 ppm, of each of three components. Typically, the upper limit will be determined by economics and by the degree of stabilization required.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in basic solution one or more of these components may be present as its corresponding anion or anions, or as an equilibrium mixture of the component and its corresponding anion or anions. Anions of these components and mixtures of these components and their corresponding anions are included in the definition of each of these components and are within the scope of the claims.

It has been found that pyrophosphates, commonly used in hydrogen peroxide stabilization, actually destabilize peroxide under the alkaline conditions. Therefore, the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide compositions are preferably pyrophosphate free. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, low levels of pyrophosphate may have been added to concentrated hydrogen peroxide by the manufacturer. This low level of pyrophosphate will be present in the concentrated hydrogen peroxide when the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide is prepared. However, no additional pyrophosphate is added when the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide is prepared. Although the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide preferably does not contain any pyrophosphate, about 1 ppm of pyrophosphate may be present.

The pH of the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition is greater than 7.0, and typically about 8.0 to about 10.5, more typically about 8.5 to about 10.0. Preferably, the pH is greater than about 9.0, more preferably about 9.0 to about 9.5. Although a buffer, such as a borate buffer, may be included to maintain pH at the desired value, this may not be necessary in all cases.

Because aqueous hydrogen peroxide compositions are typically acidic, it is necessary to add base, such as aqueous sodium hydroxide or aqueous potassium hydroxide, to the composition until the desired pH is attained. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is preferred. The base should be free from metal ions that would catalyze decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, such as ferrous ions, ferric ions, cupric ions, cuprous ions, manganous ions, and similar transition metal ions. The base should also be free from both organic and inorganic materials that would react with the hydrogen peroxide.

The stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition typically comprises about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt %, typically about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, more typically about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, even more typically about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %, of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is commercially available, and its preparation has been described in numerous patents and publication. The anthraquinone process (also called the autoxidation process or the Riedl-Pfleiderer process) is described, for example, in Riedl, U.S. Pat. No. 2,158,525, and in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd. ed., Volume 13, Wiley, New York, 1981, pp. 15-22.

After all the other ingredients have been accounted for, water comprises the balance of the stabilized basic hydrogen peroxide composition. Because hydrogen peroxide is typically commercially available as a 30 wt % to 70 wt % aqueous solution, it is typically necessary to dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water to obtain the desired hydrogen peroxide concentration. The water should be free from metal ions that would catalyze decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, such as ferrous ions, ferric ions, cupric ions, cuprous ions, manganous ions, and similar transition metal ions. The water should also be free from organic material that would be oxidized by hydrogen peroxide. The water should also be free of inorganic materials that would react with hydrogen peroxide, such as chlorine (Cl₂), hypochorous acid (HOCl), and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Distilled or deionized water is preferred.

The stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition may be prepared by adding the desired amount of each of the stabilizers to an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing the desired amount of stabilizer, before or after the addition of aqueous base. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, if aqueous base is added after the addition of the stabilizers, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and of each of the stabilizers before addition of the aqueous base must be slightly higher than desired because the aqueous base will dilute the stabilized hydrogen peroxide solution.

Alternatively, the stabilizers can be added to concentrated hydrogen peroxide, such as, for example to 50 wt % aqueous hydrogen peroxide, and the resulting solution diluted to the desired concentration and the pH adjusted to the desired pH by the addition of water and/or aqueous base. The stabilizers can be added, for example, by a manufacturer, and the resulting stabilized concentrated hydrogen peroxide, or concentrate, shipped to a customer, who dilutes the concentrate and, if necessary, adds the required amount of aqueous base to form a stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition with the desired hydrogen peroxide concentration, the desired concentration of each of the stabilizers, and the desired pH. The concentrate might comprise, for example, about 30 wt % to about 70 wt % hydrogen peroxide, about 100 ppm by weight to about 3 wt % of the stannate stabilizer; about 100 ppm by weight to about 1.5 wt % of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and about 100 ppm by weight to about 1.5 wt % of the aromatic chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agents. A typical concentrate might comprise: about 50 wt % hydrogen peroxide; about 3000 ppm of the stannate stabilizer; about 1500 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents, such as diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid); and/or 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid; about 1500 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agent, such as salicylic acid and/or 8-hydroxyquinolne.

One application of the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition is as a cleaning composition. If the stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition is to be used as a cleaning composition, it may comprise other components that are conventional ingredients in cleaning compositions. The stabilizer can stabilize basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide either in the presence of or in the absence of a surfactant.

The composition may also comprise a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants. Numerous surfactants useful in cleaning compositions are well known. Surfactants are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, Manufacturing Confectioners Publishing Company, Glen Rock, N.J., and in Encyclopedia of Surfactants, Volumes I-III, Compiled by M. and I. Ash, Chemical Publishing Co., NY Surfactants useful in cleaning compositions are disclosed in, for example, Gosselink, U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,857, especially column 17, line 27, to column 22, line 19, and Laughlin, U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678, especially column 5, line 65, to column 36, line 30. The concentration of surfactant is typically about 0.25 wt % to about 25 wt %, more typically about 1.0 wt % to 15 wt %, of the composition.

Nonionic surfactants are typically condensation products of a hydrophobic organic aliphatic compound, such as a long chain aliphatic alcohol, and hydrophilic ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide. The length of the resulting polyether chain can be adjusted to achieve the desired balance between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Nonionic surfactants include, for example, ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohols, especially C₁₀₋₂₀ alcohols, with 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide per mole of alcohol, especially ethoxylates of primary alcohols containing about 8 to 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration with about 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide, for example, the ethoxylates of decyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, or myristyl alcohol; ethoxylates of secondary aliphatic alcohols containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration with 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide; condensation of aliphatic alcohols containing about 8 to abut 20 carbon atoms with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide; ethoxylated castor oil; ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil; ethoxylated coconut oil; ethoxylated lanolin; ethoxylated tall oil; ethoxylated tallow alcohol; and ethoxylates of sorbitan esters. Examples of anionic surfactants are sulfates and sulfates of ethoxylates, sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, and sodium stearyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate.

The cleaning composition may comprise a thickening agent, which is stable to oxidation under alkaline conditions, which helps control dispensing of the composition and retards drainage from surfaces to which it is applied. Thickening agents may be organic or inorganic. Inorganic thickening agents include alkali metal silicates and very high surface area inorganic materials, such as or finely divided silica or clays. Organic thickening agents include cellulose ethers, such as methylcellulose; acrylic and methacrylic polymers and copolymers, such as copolymers of acrylic acid; and biopolymers, such as alginate. Polymer-based products, such as polyacrylic acid copolymers are preferred. Although the concentration of the thickening agent will depend on the viscosity desired, the nature of the thickening agent, and the nature and concentration of other materials present in the composition, if any, when present, the thickening agent typically comprises about 0.25 wt % to about 3.0 wt % of the cleaning composition.

Other conventional ingredients may be included, provided each ingredient is compatible with the other ingredients of cleaning composition and the presence of the ingredient does not adversely affect the properties of the cleaning composition. Each additional ingredient is used to modify the cleaning composition in conventional form and is present in an effective amount, that is, in the amount required to achieve the desired effect without adversely affecting the properties of the composition. Cleaning compositions may also comprise a perfumes and fragrances, typically at about 0.03 wt % to about 1.0 wt % of the composition. Fluorescent whitening agents may also be present, typically at about 0.1 wt % to 1.0 wt %. An anti-redeposition agent, such as, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose may be present. A filler salt, such as sodium sulfate or sodium chloride, may be present. Other conventional ingredients include: dyes and other colorants; fabric softening compositions; static control agents; optical opacifiers, such as polystyrene particles; and suds regulants, such as dimethylpolysiloxane.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Aqueous alkaline hydrogen peroxide compositions are used to bleach cellulose fibers, such as cotton and wood fibers, in hair care, as household laundry bleaches, and as disinfectant compositions. When a surfactant is present, basic hydrogen peroxide compositions may be used as cleaning compositions, especially as hard surface cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners. When uses as hard surface cleaners, they may be sprayed or wiped onto the surface, and then wiped off the surface or rinsed off the surface with water. Liquid toilet bowl cleaners, for example, may be squirted from a squeezable container or bottle, left to slowly coat the bowl surface through gravitational pull and clean over several hours. Alternatively, brush may be used to scrub the surface and the dirt. The grime and the cleaner are then flushed away.

The advantageous properties of this invention can be observed by reference to the following examples, which illustrate but do not limit the invention.

EXAMPLES Glossary

-   Sal Salicylic acid (o-hydroxybenzoic acid) (Aldrich, Milwaukee,     Wis., USA) -   Stannate (Sn) Sodium stannate, Na₂SnO₃.3H₂O (Aldrich, Milwaukee,     Wis., USA) -   P1 Diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), DEQUEST®     2066 (DTPA) (Solutia, St. Louis, Mo., USA) -   P2 Amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), DEQUEST® 2000 (ATMP)     (Solutia, St. Louis, Mo., USA) -   Pyrophosphate Na₂H₂P₂O₇ (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo., USA) -   Q 8-Hydroxy-quioline

Example 1

This example illustrates the stability of aqueous hydrogen peroxide compositions in the presence of a metal impurity. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable in the presence of metal ions. Measurement of the stability of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of metal ions, in particular in the presence of Fe(II), indicates which compositions will perform in cosmetic and cleaning applications.

Examples 1-A to 1-F, each containing 3 wt % aqueous hydrogen peroxide, were prepared. The ingredients added to each sample are listed Table 1. In each example that contains stannate, the stannate concentration was 90 ppm. In each example that contains the phosphonic acid chelating agent, the phosphonic acid chelating agent concentration was 45 ppm. In each example that contains salicylic acid, the salicylic acid concentration is 50 ppm. The pH was adjusted to pH 9 with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Each sample was spiked with 1 ppm Fe(II) and stored 85° C. for 24 hours. The amount of hydrogen peroxide in each sample was measured by titration with potassium permanganate.

The amount of hydrogen peroxide retained is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide after 24 hours divided by the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

TABLE 1^(a) Example # Additives Peroxide lost (%) 1-A Sn 13.2 1-B P1 100.0 1-C Sal 100.0 1-D Sn, P1 14.2 1-E Sn, Sal 15.6 1-F Sn, P1, Sal 9.8 ^(a)Each sample initially contained 3 wt % hydrogen peroxide. 1 ppm of Fe(II) was added to each sample.

Sample 1-A, 1-B, and 1-C each contain only of the three components of the stabilizer. Examples 1-D and 1-E each contain two of the three components. Sample 1-F contains all three components. The combination of all three components performs better than any individual ingredient and better than any of the combinations of two ingredients tested. Greater than 90% of the hydrogen peroxide was retained under the conditions of the evaluation.

Example 2

This example illustrates the stability of aqueous hydrogen peroxide compositions in the presence of different concentration of Sn stabilizer. The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, with 1 ppm Fe(II) were added. The ingredients added and the results are show in Table 2.

TABLE 2^(a) Example # Additive (ppm) Peroxide lost (%) 1-A Sn (90 13.2 2-A Sn (300) 11.4 1-F Sn (90), P1 (45), Sal (50) 9.8 ^(a)Each sample initially contained 3 wt % hydrogen peroxide. 1 ppm of Fe(II) was added to each sample.

This example shows that 300 ppm stannate stabilizer (Sn) alone is not as effective as the combination of 90 ppm stannate stabilizer (Sn), 45 ppm of diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (P1), and 50 ppm of salicylic acid (Sal) in stabilizing hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions.

Example 3

This example illustrates the stability of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of different level of metal impurities. The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that the different concentrations of Fe(II) were added. The ingredients added and the results are show in Table 3.

TABLE 3^(a) Fe(II) (ppm) 0 ppm 0.02 ppm 0.2 ppm 1 ppm Example # Additive Peroxide lost (%) 3-A Sn 13.9 11.5 12.2 13.2 3-B Sn, Sal 12.5 13.9 14.9 15.6 1-D Sn, P1 ND ND ND 14.2 3-C Sn, P1, Sal 17.7 10.8 10.5 9.8 ^(a)Each sample initially contained 3 wt % hydrogen peroxide. ND = Not determined.

In the presence of Fe(II), the combination of all three components is more effective than sodium stannate (Sn) or the combination of sodium stannate (Sn) and salicylic acid (Sal).

Example 4

This example illustrates stability of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sodium pyrophosphate (Na₂H₂P₂O₇). Aqueous basic (pH of 9.5) hydrogen peroxide compositions containing about 5 wt % hydrogen peroxide and different levels of stannate and/or sodium pyrophosphate were stored at 96° C. for 16 hours and the amount of peroxide remaining analyzed as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Start End Example Stannate Na₂H₂P₂O₇ Conc Conc Peroxide number (ppm) (ppm) (wt %) (wt %) lost (%) 4-A 100 0 4.98 3.61 27.5 4-B 300 100 4.95 1.35 72.7 4-C 100 300 4.95 1.26 74.5 4-D 0 400 4.95 0 100.0

These examples show that the stability of hydrogen peroxide decreases when sodium pyrophosphate is present.

Example 5

This example illustrates stability of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a surfactant. A composition containing 3 wt % hydrogen peroxide, 1 wt % amine oxide surfactant, and a stabilizer system containing 90 ppm stannate, 45 ppm HEDP, and 50 ppm salicylic acid, and was adjusted to a pH of 9 and stored at 85° C. After 24 hours, the composition was analyzed for hydrogen peroxide as in Example 1. 86.8% of the hydrogen peroxide was retained.

Example 6

Examples 5-A to 5-G each initially contained 3 wt % hydrogen peroxide. The concentration of each additive is 100 ppm. Following the procedure of Example 1, each sample was spiked with 1 ppm Fe(II), stored at pH 9, 85° C. for 24 hours, and analyzed for hydrogen peroxide. The results are given in Table 5.

TABLE 5^(a) Sample # Additives Peroxide lost (%) 6-A Sn 13.2 6-B P2 100.0 6-C Q 99.9 6-D Sn, P2 13.4 6-E Sn, P, Q 10.2 ^(a)Each sample initially contained 3 wt % hydrogen peroxide. All additive concentrations were 100 ppm unless otherwise indicated.

Having described the invention, we now claim the following and their equivalents. 

1. A composition comprising: a) about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; b) water; and c) a stabilizer system comprising: i) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of a stannate stabilizer; ii) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of a phosphonic acid chelating agent or a mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and iii) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of an aromatic chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agents; wherein; the composition comprises less than 10 ppm of pyrophosphate; and the composition has a pH greater than 7.0.
 2. The composition of claim 1 in which the composition has a pH of about 8.0 to about 10.5.
 3. The composition of claim 1 in which the stabilizer system comprises about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the stannate stabilizer, about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents, and about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or the mixture of chelating agents.
 4. The composition of claim 3 in which: the phosphonic acid chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid); diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid); hexamethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid); bis hexamethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid; 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof; and the aromatic chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 8-hydroxy-quinoline, and mixtures thereof.
 5. The composition of claim 4 in which stabilizer system comprises about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the stannate stabilizer, about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; about 20 ppm about to 1000 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or the mixture of chelating agents.
 6. The composition of claim 5 in which the composition has a pH of 9.0 to 9.5.
 7. The composition of claim 6 in which the stabilizer system comprises about 30 ppm to about 200 ppm of the stannate stabilizer; about 30 ppm to about 200 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and about 30 ppm to about 200 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or mixture of aromatic chelating agents.
 8. The composition of claim 7 in which the phosphonic acid chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), and mixtures thereof; and the aromatic chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxy-quinoline and salicylic acid.
 9. The composition of claim 1 in which the composition exhibits a stability of less than about 10% hydrogen peroxide loss after storage for 24 hours at 85° C.
 10. The composition of claim 2 in which: the phosphonic acid chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid); diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid); hexamethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid); bis hexamethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid; 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof; and the aromatic chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 8-hydroxy-quinoline, and mixtures thereof.
 11. The composition of claim 10 in which the composition comprises less than about 1 ppm of pyrophosphate.
 12. The composition of claim 1 in which the composition additionally comprises about 0.25 wt % to about 25 wt % of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants.
 13. The composition of claim 12 in which the composition has a pH of about 8.0 to about 10.5.
 14. The composition of claim 13 in which the stabilizer system comprises about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the stannate stabilizer, about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents, and about 15 ppm to about 2500 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or the mixture of chelating agents.
 15. The composition of claim 14 in which: the phosphonic acid chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid); diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid); hexamethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid); bis hexamethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid; 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof; and the aromatic chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 8-hydroxy-quinoline, and mixtures thereof.
 16. The composition of claim 15 in which stabilizer system comprises about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the stannate stabilizer, about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; about 20 ppm about to 1000 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or the mixture of chelating agents.
 17. The composition of claim 16 in which the composition has a pH of 9.0 to 9.5.
 18. The composition of claim 17 in which the stabilizer system comprises about 30 ppm to about 200 ppm of the stannate stabilizer; about 30 ppm to about 200 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and about 30 ppm to about 200 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or mixture of aromatic chelating agents.
 19. The composition of claim 18 in which the phosphonic acid chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), and mixtures thereof; and the aromatic chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxy-quinoline and salicylic acid.
 20. The composition of claim 19 in which the composition additionally comprises a thickening agent.
 21. A method of cleaning a surface, the method comprising the steps of: (1) applying a composition to the surface, the composition comprising: a) about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; b) water; c) about 0.25 wt % to about 25 wt % of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants; d) about 0.25 wt % to about 3.0 wt % of a thickening agent or a mixture of thickening agents; and e) a stabilizer system comprising: i) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of a stannate stabilizer; ii) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of a phosphonic acid chelating agent or a mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and iii) about 10 ppm by weight to about 1 wt % of an aromatic chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agents; wherein; the composition comprises less than 10 ppm pyrophosphate; and the composition has a pH greater than 7.0; and (2) removing the composition.
 22. The method of claim 21 in which in which the composition has a pH of about 8.0 to about 10.5; the composition comprises about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the stannate stabilizer, about 20 ppm to about 1000 ppm of the phosphonic acid chelating agent or the mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; about 20 ppm about to 1000 ppm of the aromatic chelating agent or the mixture of chelating agents; and the phosphonic acid chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid); diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid); hexamethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid); bis hexamethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid; 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, and mixtures thereof; and the aromatic chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, 6-hydroxy-picolinic acid, 8-hydroxy-quinoline, and mixtures thereof.
 23. The method of claim 21 in which the composition exhibits a stability of less than about 10% hydrogen peroxide loss after storage for 24 hours at 85° C. 